Sawasdee 4 (Thai K-1s in 2010)

[Eric_&_Off 0]

Hi,

Good news here - passed the interview, arrived in the States, and just got married! A very busy couple of months to say the least. The advice from everyone on this forum has been fantastic. Thank you all.

Now, a few more questions... re AOS.

We moved into a new apt after my fiancee's arrival (moved from Manhattan to Queens). I know we need to file a change of address (AR-11 I believe) asap, but we just married and I want to file the Adjustment of Status application as soon as possible.

Should we be concerned about the change of address causing any problems receiving communications from the USCIS going forward? Or causing any delay due to the office our application will be assigned to? I seem to remember reading that some people's applications have been delayed due to this issue. Any experiences to share or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Eric

[toma1 10]

Hi,

Good news here - passed the interview, arrived in the States, and just got married! A very busy couple of months to say the least. The advice from everyone on this forum has been fantastic. Thank you all.

Now, a few more questions... re AOS.

We moved into a new apt after my fiancee's arrival (moved from Manhattan to Queens). I know we need to file a change of address (AR-11 I believe) asap, but we just married and I want to file the Adjustment of Status application as soon as possible.

Should we be concerned about the change of address causing any problems receiving communications from the USCIS going forward? Or causing any delay due to the office our application will be assigned to? I seem to remember reading that some people's applications have been delayed due to this issue. Any experiences to share or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again,

Eric

Are you planning to travel outside the country?

[Eric_&_Off 0]

Yes, planning on filing the I-131 (advance parole) and I-765 (EAD) as well.

Any advice on filing any of these docs would also be appreciated.

Also, one more question - my wife took my last name. So for the adjustment of status, AP, and EAD - she should use her married name (not her maiden name), correct?

[toma1 10]

Yes, planning on filing the I-131 (advance parole) and I-765 (EAD) as well.

Any advice on filing any of these docs would also be appreciated.

Also, one more question - my wife took my last name. So for the adjustment of status, AP, and EAD - she should use her married name (not her maiden name), correct?

I would file all of the new documents under her new name and address. I don't think you will have any problem if you file everything together.

[Eddie & Yana 2]

Hey everyone. I'm a bit down today. We've gone through this whole ride with the amazing help of everyone here at the forums. Unfortunately, my fiancée did not pass her interview today. I can't even believe it. I'm still in shell shock. However, I think it's just under administrative review. My fiancée said it was a terrible experience. They drilled her super hard, and started asking about how we kept in contact during the time we knew each other but weren't a couple (strange?). That's a bit hard to prove, because we did actually talk to eachother, but it was through Tagged (we met in real life while I was on a missions trip, and she was already a Christian helping out with the mission). Tagged experienced some glitch a little while back and deleted everyone's saved messages. So I took some time and took screen shots of some of the email messages from Tagged telling me that she sent me some messages on there.

Then, they wanted to know why my income was too low while I was in school (in 2008 and 2009). This is a really weird question for a number of reasons:

1) They only wanted the most previous year's tax return. (this is what it said on our appointment letter).

2) I put on there that I was a full-time student and only a part time worker.

Even though they need last year's tax income only (but want me to provide more?) I've been eligible since 2010 and provided clear proof that I will make even more this year in 2011.

I don't understand what to do? Anyone else have this trouble in Bangkok???

I'm 24, she's turning 21 next week.

Our wedding is scheduled for April 9th. Family has already bought their plane ticket. Do you think this is still doable? What happens now?!?! I think the rejection letter they gave her said she couldn't come back until Monday with the proof. Could they give it to her then? or set it up 3-4 days later???

Thanks so much for your help. I could really use some answers and some encouragement.

Thanks again, and Blessings.

Eddie & Yana

[AaronLV 12]

Sorry to hear you didn't pass. Take a deep breath. I don't think you got put in AR, if they gave her a slip asking her for more information. Gather the additional information they want, and when she brings it back on Monday, she should ask if they can please review the information while she waits. If they review the info while she waits, and gives her an answer that day, you can probably make the 9th of April, if they just take it and say they will get back to her, it would be best to re-schedule the April 9th date, because the odds are she won't make it.

Are you sure you read the appointment letter asking for only last years tax return. I know when I went through a couple years ago they required 3 years to be submitted along with a letter of employment.

Good luck!

[Eddie & Yana 2]

I'm sure. I definitely read elsewhere that I was supposed to have all three (which she had just in case, but I would have preferred not to use them).

Here is the direct quote from the Appointment Letter:

"EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT: Your Petitioner should present evidence that neither you nor your children (if applicable) will become a public charge in the United States. A Form I-134 (Affidavit of Support) signed by Petitioner can be submitted with a copy of Petitioner’s US passport, an employment letter and a copy of Petitioner’s tax return (Form 1040) for the most recent tax year. The petitioner’s income should meet the poverty guidelines at the time of Affidavit of Support filing.

 Form I-134 is downloadable from http://www.uscis.gov (Immigration Forms)  If your Petitioning fiancé (e) or spouse submitted a Form I-134 with your petition,

only new evidence of updated income and/or tax return should be submitted."

I'm just a nervous wreck. I thought about it all day today, and was praying, and everyone I know was asking about it. And now we have to wait until Monday? ::Shudder::. I panicked and sent them an email with the items as PDFs. I just can't fathom how they want MORE information from our relationship??! We literally sent them package slips from packages back and forth to each other. Skype Call logs of a minimum of two hours a day, for almost a year straight, 400 pages of Skype chat, photos together with dates, and places written in pen on the back, placed in chronological order. A book that I made her from ShutterFly on our 6 month anniversary. Facebook pictures and comments from 2009, etc.

I think what has me the most in shambles is their inability to see the love that I have for this girl. I already told her that it's impossible for me to spend my life without her. I would give up everything I had and swim over there if I needed to. In a second. I mean, I couldn't really swim that far, but I honestly would give anything to be with her. She's that worth it, and that kind of Amazing. I wish I could talk to these people on the phone.

[Eddie & Yana 2]

And thank you Aaron. I'm sorry I'm still in panic mode. I honestly thought this part would be a breeze compared to everything else. I've slept well recently knowing she would be with me soon. Now, I just feel very lonely and worried. The hard part about it is, I don't know exactly what they want from me now.. School transcripts from 2008 & 9? I mean, there's about 20 emails between 2008 and 2009. Is that enough?? We weren't dating then, and she didn't have her own computer. She had to use the internet cafe, and I was focusing on my studies.. Thanks again Aaron, I really appreciate the comforting words. I pray we can stick with the April 9th date...

[Karee 4,190]

And thank you Aaron. I'm sorry I'm still in panic mode. I honestly thought this part would be a breeze compared to everything else. I've slept well recently knowing she would be with me soon. Now, I just feel very lonely and worried. The hard part about it is, I don't know exactly what they want from me now.. School transcripts from 2008 & 9? I mean, there's about 20 emails between 2008 and 2009. Is that enough?? We weren't dating then, and she didn't have her own computer. She had to use the internet cafe, and I was focusing on my studies.. Thanks again Aaron, I really appreciate the comforting words. I pray we can stick with the April 9th date...

Does the letter say "221g"? If that's the case, there will be some boxes checked requesting what they want.

Also, would be a good idea to email the embassy yourself asking what the problem was. Make sure you put your case number in the subject line like this "IV Inquiry BNK2010xxxxxx" With the BNK being your case number from NVC. Make sure you send the email to visasbkk2@state.gov. They don't respond to emails sent to the address without the '2' At least they didn't used to.

[Eddie & Yana 2]

Wow, thanks for that little tidbit about the '2' at the end. I'll give that a try as well. And yes, there was a 221g. The things that were checked were concerning our conversation in 2008-09 (when we weren't in a dating relationship) and the thing about my tax records in 2008-9. I'm not sure what they need from me additionallyt though. I guess this is something I can ask them? Thanks for all of your help Karee!

[Karee 4,190]

Wow, thanks for that little tidbit about the '2' at the end. I'll give that a try as well. And yes, there was a 221g. The things that were checked were concerning our conversation in 2008-09 (when we weren't in a dating relationship) and the thing about my tax records in 2008-9. I'm not sure what they need from me additionallyt though. I guess this is something I can ask them? Thanks for all of your help Karee!

We went through the same thing back in 2008. I had tax issues which I cleared up right away. They still shot us down. They wanted more photos. So gave them more photos. She got the visa.

She can submit the new evidence at the embassy on Mondays and Wednesdays between 1 and 3 pm.

[Tom and Teaw 1]

I can't BELIEVE IT!!!! Teaw and I zipped down to Pattaya for a couple days cause she wanted to go to the beach and there were no cheap flights to Phuket or Samui when were were going to be here. Now I have not been to Pats for 3 or more years, but I was totally shocked to be in LITTLE RUSSIA!!!!! It's 95% Russians now and everything has Russian writing on it. At the hotel we were at I felt like we were the only English speaking people there and we pretty much were. While getting a foot massage last night the lady we were talking to said she wished it was like the old days where it was all Americans and English as she did not like the Russians so much. It was really depressing to see the place change like that from what I remember it was. I sure won't be going back to Pats again!!!! Scratch that one off my list. I just hope the tour people don't screw up Phuket and Samui and other places with the Russians.

[Tom and Teaw 1]

I can't BELIEVE IT!!!! Teaw and I zipped down to Pattaya for a couple days cause she wanted to go to the beach and there were no cheap flights to Phuket or Samui when were were going to be here. Now I have not been to Pats for 3 or more years, but I was totally shocked to be in LITTLE RUSSIA!!!!! It's 95% Russians now and everything has Russian writing on it. At the hotel we were at I felt like we were the only English speaking people there and we pretty much were. While getting a foot massage last night the lady we were talking to said she wished it was like the old days where it was all Americans and English as she did not like the Russians so much. It was really depressing to see the place change like that from what I remember it was. I sure won't be going back to Pats again!!!! Scratch that one off my list. I just hope the tour people don't screw up Phuket and Samui and other places with the Russians.

[toma1 10]

I can't BELIEVE IT!!!! Teaw and I zipped down to Pattaya for a couple days cause she wanted to go to the beach and there were no cheap flights to Phuket or Samui when were were going to be here. Now I have not been to Pats for 3 or more years, but I was totally shocked to be in LITTLE RUSSIA!!!!! It's 95% Russians now and everything has Russian writing on it. At the hotel we were at I felt like we were the only English speaking people there and we pretty much were. While getting a foot massage last night the lady we were talking to said she wished it was like the old days where it was all Americans and English as she did not like the Russians so much. It was really depressing to see the place change like that from what I remember it was. I sure won't be going back to Pats again!!!! Scratch that one off my list. I just hope the tour people don't screw up Phuket and Samui and other places with the Russians.

Russia and Thailand concluded a visa free travel agreement a little over a year ago. That (Russia) is now one of the places that your wife can travel visa free that you cannot. Similarly, Russians can now travel to Thailand without a visa--hence the large numbers you saw. This is a great thing for the Thai economy, as the Russians have a lot of cash right now.

Edited March 24, 2011 by toma1

[ArizonaMike74 0]

I can't BELIEVE IT!!!! Teaw and I zipped down to Pattaya for a couple days cause she wanted to go to the beach and there were no cheap flights to Phuket or Samui when were were going to be here. Now I have not been to Pats for 3 or more years, but I was totally shocked to be in LITTLE RUSSIA!!!!! It's 95% Russians now and everything has Russian writing on it. At the hotel we were at I felt like we were the only English speaking people there and we pretty much were. While getting a foot massage last night the lady we were talking to said she wished it was like the old days where it was all Americans and English as she did not like the Russians so much. It was really depressing to see the place change like that from what I remember it was. I sure won't be going back to Pats again!!!! Scratch that one off my list. I just hope the tour people don't screw up Phuket and Samui and other places with the Russians.

Well that sucks I've never been but Mimi wants to try it for vacation but I guess we won't plan on more than a week there (Hua Hin is the next place on our list), so we can see what it's like. Just read an article about the topic that said they are big spenders ($300 bottles of champagne and caviar):

http://www.gluckman.com/Russians.html

It's good for Pattaya tourism but that means prices for everything will go up. Maybe they will spend more improving what I've been told is a pathetically short/smelly beach.